Kathryn Lazenby - GBR rider in European Cross triathlon - Post Sardinia..
It’s a few weeks since I came back from Sardinia and both me and the bike are in modifications. Alma (as awarded by her brand and nickname) is having a weight loss programme courtesy of Jon at Cyclestreet. It has been decided that new rims and tubeless tyres are the order of the day. Meanwhile I am up in Shetland improving my swimming as the islands of Orkney and Shetland are obviously noted for their tropical waters! An impromtu decision on the back of needing to work on my swimming I decided whilst on holiday in a campervan that I will aim to swim open water everyday for the next 18 days. It is absolutely freezing but a great experience over a number of different conditions and I feel more confident about tackling a variety of more challenging water situations now. Hopefully that will give me a boost on what I envisage to be much warmer and calmer swim in Zittau Germany.
 After returning from Shetland I am reunited with the bike and wow it is so much lighter! My other modification is to go clipped. I know what your thinking but it has just taken me awhile to get moving on that score despite being clipped on my road bike for years. As Jon keeps saying are you ready for big girl pedals yet?! Over the next few weeks training is going well and Alma and I get to know each other over a 50 mile ride in the heat and I’m starting to be impressed. Off up to Dalby for a technical ride, keep getting told off for not tackling the descents fast enough, it is always difficult having your sponsor riding behind you! He’s right I do need some more technique practice especially with the 29er which I am finding rides very differently. However, I am reassured as the race courses tend not be overtly technical and with six weeks to go I am more keen on self preservation and improving my fitness so its back to the hill sprints and long endurance rides in the sweltering weather….